If your child has had an “iffy” preschool experience and then has been home with loved ones all summer, expect that he won’t be eager to return to school come fall. Youngsters can remember how Sammie bit him or Emma wouldn’t be her friend months later, so if you’re planning on having your child attend the same preschool, prepare to talk about some of the really good times and fun activities your child did last year. Also, if your child seems particularly reluctant to go back to preschool in the near future, check with the preschool teacher about some really exciting school plans and share those with your child. Here are tips for making the transition easier.
- Re-set schedules to a school-year routine. If your schedules have slipped (and most families have), begin school bed times, wake-up calls, and daily routines in accordance with a school schedule.
- Have your child participate in back-to-school shopping and overall readiness. If your child’s preschool has a supply list, let your child participate in the picking out of new supplies, nap pillow, and school clothes. Take a picture of your child before and after getting a back-to-school haircut, and let your kid have a decision in which backpack to use or purchase. Your child is a year older now, and a character that was so “it” last year may be out now, so as long as family finances allow it, getting an inexpensive new backpack and putting the supplies in so they’ll be ready to go will help to build anticipation.
- Visit the preschool ahead of time. Don’t wait until the first day to go into a child’s preschool. If at all possible, plan a visit or even two ahead of time, even if your child went there last year. A tour will let your child remember the school and where everything is, and to take a peek at his classroom (many kids will move classrooms come fall). If your child’s preschool teacher is there, introduce your child to her so they become acquainted.
- Let your child ask you anything about school ahead of time.
Kids can get the funniest notions in their heads about school and the more you can explain or discount (yes, you really do get to eat your own lunch at school), the more relaxed they will be. - Take your time on the first day. Don’t get in such a rush of the first day back to preschool. Many kids need to ease back into a situation until they feel safe and secure. Stick around until you see your child loosening up some. Hopefully, he will know some kids from last year; if your child is attending a preschool for the first time this year, help out with some simple introductions. It’s possible your child will be clingy or shy, and even perhaps shed a tear or two. That’s completely normal, and your child will quickly be okay.
- Know when to leave. Don’t overstay your welcome by remaining in the classroom past getting your child settled, giving him a quick hug of assurance, and introducing him around. After that, let the teacher do her job and getting the school year started off successfully.
- Give your child one-on-one time when you get home. Your child can’t wait to tell you about his day, and whether the information is good or bad, take time to really listen to what your child says happened, friends he’s made or kids he hopes to avoid, and plans for the rest of the week. Exclaim over any student work or papers brought home, and congratulate your child on being a big kid at school!
